Vehicle Window Trim Fixture Using Vacuum and Crimping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for incorporating decorative trim pieces into vehicle window assemblies are labor-intensive and costly, often resulting in damage to the trim pieces and increased production costs due to inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle window assembly fixture that automates the process of securing a decorative trim piece into an encapsulated window assembly using vacuum means, crimping attachment tabs, trimming excess encapsulation material, and utilizing a combination of positioning blocks, resilient vertical supports, trim piece tab crimping vices, encapsulation material trimming devices, and trim piece setting devices to securely attach the trim piece without causing significant damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual methods are used to incorporate decorative trim pieces into vehicle window assemblies, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity increases and production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidfixture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture is divided into multiple independent functional components including positioning blocks, crimping vices, trimming devices, and support members. Each component performs a specific operation in the assembly process, allowing the system to handle complex trim piece incorporation while maintaining modularity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixture integrates multiple operations (positioning, securing, crimping, trimming) into a single multi-functional device. This allows the fixture to perform the entire trim piece incorporation process in one setup, significantly improving productivity while the modular design keeps operational complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If automated methods are used to incorporate decorative trim pieces, then productivity increases and labor costs decrease, but device complexity and initial cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture is designed to automatically perform operations without requiring external intervention. The trim piece is fed through the fixture and all operations (positioning, securing, crimping, trimming) are performed automatically as the piece moves through the stationary fixture, achieving automation with relatively simple equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations are replaced by the fixture's integrated mechanical system. The fixture uses vacuum means, crimping vices, and trimming devices that automatically perform operations that would otherwise require manual handling, tools, and multiple workstations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If decorative trim pieces are handled manually, then damage risk is lower with careful handling, but handling time increases and production costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrim piece integrityVSAvoidhandling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture acts as an intermediary between the operator and the trim piece. The trim piece is secured to the fixture and manipulated by fixture components rather than direct hand handling. This intermediary system protects the trim piece from damage while maintaining precise control throughout the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The trim piece is positioned and secured to the fixture before the assembly operations begin. This preliminary positioning ensures the trim piece is held securely and correctly oriented throughout subsequent operations, preventing damage from improper handling while enabling rapid sequential operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate operations are used to attach trim pieces, then each operation can be optimized independently, but total assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment precisionVSAvoidassembly cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate operations (positioning, securing, crimping, trimming) are merged into a single integrated fixture process. The trim piece passes through the fixture once and all operations are performed in sequence without removal or repositioning, achieving both precision and speed by combining operations that would otherwise be separate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The fixture reduces production time and costs by minimizing labor and re-work, while ensuring the trim piece is securely attached with minimal damage, leading to lower scrap rates and reduced production expenses.

Implementation Method 1

Securing the encapsulated vehicle window assembly in place on the fixture, preferably by vacuum means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS9180565B2Decorative trim assembly fixture and method of using same

Publication Date: 2015.11.10 PILKINGTON GRP LTD

AI summary

An assembly fixture allows for the incorporation of a decorative trim piece into an encapsulated window assembly. A method of utilizing the assembly fixture to incorporate the decorative trim piece into the vehicle window assembly is also provided.